Called to CARE: Concern, Action, Respect for the Earth

Yet we are called to be instruments of God our Father, so that our planet might be what he desired when he created it and correspond with his plan for peace, beauty, and fullness.
Pope Francis, Laudato Si, ¶53

Inspired by Pope Francis’ call to action in his encyclical Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home, members of the Catholic Community of Hopewell Valley have formed an environmental action and reflection group.  Called to CARE, which stands for Concern, Action, Respect for the Earth, is adopting a multifaceted response to the global environmental challenge humanity faces today.  Through a number of committees, we are tackling practical issues like recycling, energy use, and landscaping at our church facilities, as well as seeking opportunities for educating our community as a whole and for engaging in advocacy, prayer, and spiritual reflection.

Faith Sharing

Small groups are meeting once a month at the different churches to explore the spiritual dimension of the environmental crisis.  We are studying Laudato Si’ using Creation at the Crossroads as a resource.  New members are welcome to join at any time, and we will also be starting new groups in the spring.

For more information, please contact Thomas Reischman at [email protected]

Recycling

Members of the recycling committee are working with CCHV leaders and staff to assess recycling and purchasing practices at all three churches.  Their goal is to centralize and streamline purchasing and find ways to cut costs and waste, while improving recycling efforts. The committee is also sharing environmental tips and strategies with the whole CCHV community.

For more information, please contact Sister Catherine Morgan at [email protected]

Energy

For more information, please contact Andy Jackson at [email protected]

Education

The goal of the education committee is to help inform our parish community about the many ways we can “care for our common home.”  The committee publishes information about CARE activities and events, as well as provides information related to a range of environmental concerns and opportunities for action.

For more information, please contact Rita Read at [email protected] or Joann Held at [email protected] .


Called to CARE meetings are held monthly via Zoom.  For more information and to participate, please contact Pat Hennessy at [email protected]

https://youtu.be/_aWppq44r-c

The video "Emotions to generate Change" remembers us the call of Pope Francis to promote integral ecology and take care of our Common Home in the light of Laudato si'. It shows the interconnection between the human family and the planet. Caring for Creation means caring for the people. Video: Lia Beltrami. Photo credit: Asaf Ud Daula. Music: Alberto Beltrami. Main partners: Provincia Autonoma di Trento, Magnifica Comunità di Fiemme, Lions International, KPMG, Sulle Strade del Mondo, Montura, Aurora Vision, Radè. Produced by: Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.